Veterinary Assistant

Information session:

With pet ownership on the rise, the need for skilled veterinary assistants is in great
demand. Working with the doctors and veterinary technicians, vet assistants help provide
medical care to sick and injured animals.

Topics of study in this 150-hour course include: client relations, office and hospital
procedures, animal nursing, exam room procedures (hospital sanitation, weight/tpr,
animal handling, restraint and preventive care protocols), surgical prep and assisting,
laboratory procedures, radiology and pharmacology. This training prepares the student
to work in facilities such as veterinarian clinics, animal hospitals, animal control
facilities or pet adoption centers. This program is geared toward recent high school
graduates, pet lovers, people looking to get back in to the workforce or anyone looking
to change careers.

Clinical training is an essential part of health care training for any specialty,
and especially for veterinary medicine. In this program, you will have the opportunity
to complete an externship of 30 hours of hands-on training in an animal hospital,
clinic or office (facility subject to availability).

The College of DuPage has partnered with MK Education to offer health care programs for more than 10 years.

Careers

The job outlook for veterinary assistants is excellent. Employment in this field is
expected to increase up to 10 percent through the year 2022, according to the Bureau
of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salaries will vary depending on hours, certification, experience
and location, but may range between $17,380 and $35,680.

Financing

This program is on the COD approved list for the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).

Upcoming Courses

Veterinary Assistant Program

Take your love of animals and turn it into a career. Learn to assist veterinarians
and veterinary technicians as you provide medical care to sick and injured animals.
This course includes 150 hours of study, 60 of which are in the clinical setting.
Learn how to help in the office as well as with hospital procedures, examinations
and customer relations.

Tuesday and Thursday, June 2 to Sept. 22, 2015, 6 to 9:45 p.m.HLTHS-0070-001, $1,999 (includes all textbook and material fees)

On campus in Glen Ellyn

Note: Externships will be assigned in class at a neighboring facility. No classes
meet during externships. Externships begin Aug. 17, 2015.

Please note that externships most often take place during normal business hours and
successful completion of the externship is required to graduate. Externship dates
will be given in the beginning of class to ensure ample time to inform employers of
your training, if needed, as time off from work may be required depending on your
schedule.

Course Prerequisites and Special NotesA high school diploma or GED is required. Students must be able to speak English and
have no prior criminal convictions.

In addition, because of the inherent requirements of the profession, students must
have the following minimum abilities sufficient for safe and successful practice of
veterinary duties: psychomotor skills (eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity);
visual acuity (normal or corrected); and be able to pass a drug testing and criminal
background check for licensure or employment.

The accelerated pace of this program may present an exceptional challenge that may
not be well suited for special needs students. Please consult the College of DuPage
Center for Access and Accommodations prior to registration.

College of DuPage Addison Center

College of DuPage Addison Center is located in the Technology Center of DuPage (TCD) on the east side of Swift Road, north of North Avenue and south of Army Trail Road. Swift Road is approximately 3/4 mile west of Route 53 or I-355.

College of DuPage Lisle location

The Lisle location is home to the College of DuPage Foundation, Center of Entrepreneurship and WorkNet Force. College of DuPage Lisle is located in the One Corporate Lakes building at the corner of Forbes and Cabot drives, just north of Warrenville Road.

College of DuPage Naperville Center

College of DuPage Naperville Center is located on the south side of Rickert Drive. Rickert Drive is accessed by turning north from 75th Street two miles west of Washington Street. From Route 59, travel east on 75th Street to Rickert Drive and turn north.

College of DuPage Westmont Center

College of DuPage Westmont Center is located on the west side of Pasquinelli Drive. Pasquinelli Drive is accessed by turning north from Ogden Avenue one block west of Route 83. The center entrance is immediately north of the bank.